Rainbow’s End Thrift Shop

I came into rainbows end about a week ago i found it very clean did not have an odor like many thrift stores do and the prices were better then any thrift store have been to. I was looking for baby clothes for my sister who is pregnant and the prices were so good on them i bought them all! Thank you Rainbows end for being so reasonable for those who are on a budget

Wow this is one sad little thrift store. The only reason I’m giving it 2 stars is that the lady working was really sweet.

As far as thrift stores go, this one isn’t super big, the selection was average, and the prices were pretty high. When you’re competing with the big ones on Contra Costa and even St. Vincent on N. Main (or other small thrift stores, like the Garret on 3^rd in WC) your prices need to stay competitive or your selection needs to improve.
Organization is okay for the small space and the lady at the counter was very nice. They had a lot of holiday items and mostly women’s clothing. I spent $ 12.45 on a dress and a skirt. It just seemed like a lot for two used items, one in just fair condition (but it looked great on!)
There’s a one-​person fitting room near the shoe section. Parking is somewhat limited out front but you dont have to fill a meter in their few spots, so that’s nice.

Rainbow’s End isn’t easy to find and i wasn’t looking for it. just happened to park right in front of this thrift shop. somwhow i didn’t see all the warning signs that it’s not legal to park here. all i saw was the «50% off entire store» on the windows. luckily i didn’t get a ticket.
thrift store very small, just books, men’s & women’s clothes, shoes, some ceramics. little furniture seen. books: 2/​$ 1
reads:
:understanding the chess openings, the french defense\
–webster’s new world thesaurus
-«off camera», ted koppel
-«wobegon boy», keillor, all for a $ 1
loose leafs:
–notice the walnut creek no parking signs when i went to car.
–no meter person came yet.\
–drove off pronto.
–rainbow is cheap but they have little inventory here.

I bought something, but I totally forget what it was. I just know it was affordable, the volunteers were nice, and it’s tiny. Interesting selection. Lots of dishes, books, some clothes.

Didn’t find anything I wanted here today, but they have very affordable deals, super friendly volunteers, and a pleasant atmosphere.
As I told the woman at the counter… although I didn’t find anything today, I’ll be sure to return for more treasure hunting !

They are tucked away in an alley and around a corner, so I seem to have trouble finding them. I have gotten some enjoyable book selections and the occasional set of matching mugs or plates. The people who work there are volunteers and wonderful to do business with. They have frequent sales.

Great service and a good place to get thrift items.

Rainbow’s End Thrift Shop
1389-​D N. Main Street, 94 596
(925) 932‑8489
There really is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, and its here in Walnut Creek. I’ve often been greeted by their friendly staff with a, «Come on in and find yourself a bargain.» Along with the sweet volunteers, you’re sure to find a treasure or two. While the store recently reduced its size, and their Hayward store has closed completely, you’ll still be pleasantly surprised with what you can find here. Classical music plays while you browse through this treasure trove, and its color tag sales, daily specials and frequent shopper cards will have you singing Judy Garland songs in no time.
Hours: Monday to Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Proceeds go to the «Fern Lodge» a nursing home in Castro Valley for seniors who can’t afford nursing care.
Check out my other thrift store listings at

Retrophiles beware. This place is sparsely stocked, and what they do have is second hand contemporary. Nothing 60’s, 70’s or 80’s to be found, even on second inspection. The cashier, a folksy woman on the wrong side of forty informed me, «other shops have a better selection of vintage clothing.» Given their placement, I’m puzzled as to why. They’re right in the middle of downtown, and could make a killing if they decided to stock up on stuff they’re likely throwing out or sending away.
In their defense, the store is dirt cheap. They announced a half off everything when I walked in. Given the already basement prices, I couldn’t resist a few books from a meager book section. But even at giveaway prices, couldn’t be cajoled into taking anything wearable off their hands. Think Target clothes, but used.

I make sure to stop in here every time I’m on North Main St. My boyfriend and I love coming in here and finding everything we wish we could find at the thrift stores back home in Oakland– the awesome brown woven flats, the Levis denim jacket, the vintage butterfly teacups, the Snow cassette tape, or that ¾ sleeve blazer. I’ve had some happy shopping here. The only downside is the shop’s size, it’s a little small so it doesn’t carry very much at one time.
Yet it makes me feel happy and safe to know this gem has yet to be picked apart by any sort of trendy crowd!

Not a great selection of fun clothes or shoes, but they had a bunch of old books and collecters items. I scored on a few yards of various flowery vintage fabric for like $ 3. The lady that worked there was sweet and helpful. Really small shop.

I’ll just come right out with it: I love this place. Not that they always have great stuff, but more because I just love the little community that it is. The ladies who volunteer practically know me by name and they are always welcoming and encouraging in my purchases… even if they are small. I like their book selections — found REvolutionary Road there for 50 cents, then promptly went home and took my name off the holds list for the book at the library — I think I was #68 on the list! They have cute kitsch jewlery for $ 1.50, $ 3. etc. How can you not walk out with something? I just hope that places like this will continue in WC. It’s such a wonderful antithesis of all the hoity toity.

Right next to the bourgie chain shopping area of oversized sunglasses and heels is this quiet little street filled with quaint little shops that felt like a snapshot from the 70’s. Near the old wig shop (and that’s ANOTHER review comin’!) is the little Rainbow’s End Thrift Shop with a slightly more skewed selection of baubles and vintage clothing than say, a Goodwill.
In there were so many fabulous and complete outfits — one pantsuit of which i was considering for when I need to do drag as Jackie O — Jackie No. It wasn’t your run of the mill trash of old t-​shirts from company picnics — it was stuff that I’d actually consider «vintage» rather than «used.»
I eventually walked out with a vinyl bag from the 80’s and a dandelion flower trapped in acrylic forever with a Gumps label attached beneath. They both had colored tags on them that marked them 25% off. Seemed like everything in the store was on sale that day for the different colored markings on them. And, momma KNOWS I heart sales!
Cheap Chinese Chris has found a new rest stop when in need of a thrift store fix. I don’t frequent the Walnut Creek all so often, but maybe I have more of a reason to.

I think this store is soo cute. They’re great for pins, quilts, jackets, sweaters, scarves and pashmina’s but not so great for handbags and shoes.
The older ladies who work there are really friendly and always seem to want to help you find something you’ll love.
They used to be much larger but systematically have sold off sections of their store to the shops next to them. They also have great 50% off sales and weekly sales on some item or another, ie sweaters.
Don’t park in the lot thats next to or in front of them, that isn’t their lot and you’ll probably get towed or a ticket.

Truly a great find. I stumbled upon this store while shopping across the street at another consignment store (Main Street Rags). This is a thrift store that is tucked away and down a small alley. A lot of the things here are older and definitely not name brand, but I found a Burberry Trench Coat for $ 100. This coat is in excellent condition, just happened to be my size, and retails for $ 1,000 at Burberry stores so I got a fabulous deal. An elderly woman works here who is so sweet and helpful. Though I don’t know how often or regularly they carry designer clothes it definitely is worth the trip out if you can score a great deal like I did!